Rising temperatures have sparked concern throughout Southeast Asia (SEA). Heat waves are now a hot topic as daily temperatures rise up in Malaysia. The Meteorological Department (MET) reported that the current heatwave is an unfortunate yearly event that has been lingering for the past few years.
MET predicted that the hot weather would last from February until May, with daily temperatures recorded between 35 degrees Celsius in certain cities. Chuping, a small town in northern Malaysia, has recorded the highest temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius. These numbers have left many Malaysians complaining about how inconvenient it is to go on with their daily activities.
This article will examine how Malaysian authorities and citizens react to the current heat phenomenon, what has been done, and what could be done to stay cool under this heat.
Relaxed Dress Code in the National School
Coping with the weather can be particularly challenging for school children as they spend long hours in classrooms and doing outdoor activities at school. As a result of parental requests and demands, the Ministry of Education has released a special circular allowing all students, teachers, and other staff to wear sports clothing to school to replace the standard school uniform. This temporary measure is to prevent health problems that may arise from the months-long unfriendly weather. Dehydration and heat strokes are highly susceptible, given the current circumstances.
As for all national school students, typically, female students wear baju kurung while male students wear a white shirt and black pants with a necktie. These are not really something your children would want to put on in such a hot sun; hence, the dress code is relaxed so that the students can go around comfortable with this heat.
Furthermore, Education Minister Y B Fadhlina Sidek similarly issued a directive to all schools across the country to revoke any activities that take place outside the classroom, such as sports day and annual cross-country running.
Tips to Beat the Heat Wave like a true Malaysian
When bracing with this weather, it’s important to implement smart hacks so you can stay cool and safe. Here are some helpful tips you can use to combat this hot weather, whether you’re at home or work.
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and keep your body cool. For those observing Ramadaan – drink lots of fluids during the sahur (pre-dawn) meal and top up the lost liquid during iftar (breaking the fast). With ingenuity, a lot of Malaysians started sharing their puasa hacks to stay hydrated through the day. Drinking plain water with a pinch of Celtic sea salt so you don’t feel thirsty throughout the day was a common suggestion.
The superfood duo of kurma and butter has ‘gone viral’ on TikTok and Facebook. The trick was cutting your kurma in half and putting a teaspoon of pure butter into it – now ‘knowledge found on social media of Muslims who are fasting turned ‘le tower’ into a common phrase many wanted to try for themselves.
Dress Comfortably
Wearing something with light shades or pastel colours, such as white, makes things easier in the scorching sun too. These ‘light colours’ reflect sunlight and warm you considerably. Wearing a loose, cotton or linen, light-coloured shirt during a sunny day can actually make a difference in your capability of dealing with the heat; because the air circulates more easily through your body and only little heat is derived from the cloth due to the light colour. Speaking of the sun, another helpful practice if you have to go out while it is blazing you should:
- Use a natural deodorant to relieve yourself from ketibas (ketiak basah): and
- Bring minyak cap kapak (cooling oil) to avoid vertigo or dizziness.
Use Cooling Devices
If you know you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period, take portable fans or a cooling towel with you. These small but mighty gadgets can reduce ambient heat and ease the discomfort hot days or high indoor temperatures can cause.
Limit Sun Exposure
Minimize physical activities during peak sun hours and opt for early morning or late evening workouts. When outdoors, try to walk in shaded walkways as much as you can to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Plan your daily jog in a park where there are many trees that act as natural shade. You do not want to be out when it is unnecessary.
Take a chiller!
Consume light, refreshing fruits such as watermelon, mango, kiwi, and dragon fruits that are easy to digest and help cool you down. If you visit Ramadan bazaar, you will find luxury choices such as cendol, sirap bandung, iced tea, green tea, lychee kang, and coconut water! Sipping these drinks in moderation can help you to stay cool under this heat.
Stay up-to-date to stay cool!
One more tip to do is to stay track of your city’s weather regularly and pay high attention to your country’s issued heat advisories and statements, as they’re pretty helpful. You can check the latest updates on the MET website. Download the weather application on your phone and stay alert of any warnings before going out, whether to see your friends or run your daily tasks. Hopefully, Mother Nature will have mercy on us soon. For now, stay hydrated, reduce your time in the sun, and be patient; it’s almost over.
